Precious Remembrance [11232012] - AlHuda Sisters

‘A’ishah said, “The Prophet was asked, ‘Which type ofworship is best?’ He replied, ‘A man’s supplication for himself.’”Du’aa – A Direct ConnectionPrayer (Salah), is one of the pillars of Islam, and in performing the five daily prayers a Muslim actually engages in a physical form of du’aa asking Allah to forgive him, and grant him Paradise through his actions. Throughout the prayer, one also supplicates to Allah directly. Salah is an obligatory act of worship, and a direct connection between Allah and the believer. Du’aa on the other hand is a Muslim’s way of feeling that connection to Allah at anytime, in any place. Du’aa incorporates praise, gratefulness, hope, and calling on Allah to assist the one in need and grant his or her requests. Although making du’aa is not an obligation, there are numerous virtues in turning to Allah frequently with du’aa. Frequent du’aa increases one’s faith, makes one feel closer to Allah, gives hope and relief to the distressed, and saves the supplicant from the despair and isolation. Throughout theQur’an, Allah encourages the believer to call on Him; He asks usto lay our dreams, hopes, fears, and uncertainties before Himand to be sure that He hears every word. 3“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the supplications of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:186) 3 http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/4005/viewall/- 3 -